You Are Not Alone

This time of year is all about the kids -making sure they have all school supplies they need, laying out outfits, packing lunches. And they need a lot of prayer. We all do. I’ve written about praying for our kids in the past and it’s so important, but today I want to focus on you. Put all the lists, schedules, and emails from the school aside and take some time to examine how you’re doing. It’s not just the kids who get anxious at the beginning of the school year. We do too.

And you’re doing a great job. As we start this new school year, if I could whisper something in your ear today it would be that. You're doing a great job. This is the time of year when it's easy to play the comparison game. Your Instagram feed is filled with adorable first day of school pictures with a professional chalkboard ordered off Etsy, and maybe your kid doesn't want to go to school. Maybe you'd love a picture, but it'll be too obvious she's been crying. Everyone's kid is signed up for soccer, and dance, and scouts, but maybe you can't swing it financially or get them to those activities because of work. Soon, people will start bragging about their kids' academic achievements and maybe your kid just got an IEP and you don't know what will happen next. When you find yourself feeling like, "why can't my life look at that," allow me to whisper something in your ear. "You're doing a great job."

Your life will never look like the highlight reels of the sum of all your friends, so stop using that as the standard. It's impossible. You have a unique opportunity to be who you are in your circumstance and you're doing a great job. Your kids don't care if you have that Etsy chalkboard. They know you love them. They know you'd do anything for them to succeed and do their best and feel loved. And even through those tough teen years, when pressed, your kids would admit one thing: you're doing a great job.

And if you’re not struggling with these things, look around at those who are. Be an encourager. Be a listening ear. Be Jesus to someone who does’t know him.

Remember, You Are Not Alone

God is with you. Deuteronomy 31: 8 says, “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Especially when we feel overwhelmed, God is near. He’s ready with His comfort when we need it.

Get into community. God designed us for community so why are we surprised when we feel lost in our solitude? Reach out. This is the time of year when groups are starting up. Get in one and start allowing a community of believers to help shape you and your family.

Get into the word. Regular time in the Bible helps us see what’s really true because we’re surrounded by so many messages that aren’t. Allow the word to transform your heart and mind.

My prayer for this school year is we all find focus in the fog. We make time for the important things and quit the comparison game that's set up to make us feel inadequate. Will you pray for that with me? Pray for all our sisters who are feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. Pray that they know they matter to God and they're doing a great job.

Blessings,

Shannon